Where to go for handbuilt wheels?

pberrey

It has been 20 years since I've brought a pair of wheels. I still have them on my trusty mountain bike - Mavic 117 SUP rims on XT hubs if I recall correctly. I would order from the same place if i could remember it! I haven't even had to put a spoke spanner on them in that time. I am hoping someone can recommend a rim and a wheel builder based on their own experience.

My requirements are similar to 20 years ago in that I want strong wheels based on 36 hole XT hubs and a tough (non-disc) rim. The main difference is that it will be used for fully laiden touring rather than offroading. I don't plan on crossing the Himalayas so I don't want the expedition weight of Sun Rhyno XLs but I do weigh 100kg plus luggage so I guess that another mountain bike rim might not be ideal. Oh and I prefer annodised rims and black hubs rather than silver.

Thanks.
Paul.

lpretro1

Paul Hewitt in Leyland.

wheeledwidewebb

Harry Rowland

mercia_man

+1 Paul Hewitt. They'll give good advice on the options - I would suggest SB/DB differential spoking on the rear for extra strength. I had a set of touring wheels from Paul Hewitt 12 years ago and they were really well built. I re-rimmed them last year after using them for numerous camping trips with no problems at all.

Barbes

If you're in Scotland Al Gow at Wheelcraft near Glasgow.

andymiller

I've had wheels built by both Spa Cycles and Harry Rowland and I'd happily recommend both.

I'd ring the wheelbuilder(s) and ask for their advice on choice of rims and spokes.

Cannock Chase

Don't know where you live Paul but if it's anywhere near the Midlands then I'd recommend Mark Swinnerton at Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre, Cannock Chase.

napoleond

Spa Cycles are excellent and specialise in touring wheels...